Kikar HaShabbat in English

Trump Appoints Orthodox Jew Will Scharf as Personal Assistant and White House Advisor

President Donald Trump has appointed Will Scharf, an Orthodox Jew and experienced lawyer, as his personal assistant and White House advisor starting September 1. Scharf, known for his strict religious observance and legal expertise, replaces David Warrington and has represented Trump in key Supreme Court cases.

20-Year-Old Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Jaljulia Traffic Accident

A 20-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured after being hit by a car in Jaljulia and was taken to Beilinson Hospital with multiple injuries.

Naftali Bennett Blasts Netanyahu, Gafni, and Deri as 'Creators of Draft Evasion'

Naftali Bennett criticized Netanyahu, Gafni, and Deri for opposing Haredi conscription and vowed to withhold state funds from draft evaders in his government.

Former PM Naftali Bennett Seeks Political Alliance Amid Party's Poll Decline

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is seeking a political merger with Hili Tropper and the Beit Tzioni list to counteract his party Yahad's decline in polls ahead of Israel's October 27 elections. Tropper is also considering joining Gadi Eizenkot's party, while other center-left unification talks continue amid fears of failing to pass the electoral threshold.

Worker Seriously Injured After Falling 8 Meters in Emek Modi'in Industrial Park

A 40-year-old worker fell 8 meters in Emek Modi'in Industrial Park and was seriously injured, now hospitalized at Sheba Medical Center.

Man Surrenders in Deadly Hit-and-Run on Highway 4 Near Pardesiya

A 30-year-old man from Kadima-Zoran surrendered to police after a deadly hit-and-run involving an electric scooter on Highway 4 near Pardesiya. He will face a detention hearing as the investigation continues.

IDF Commander Approves Demolition of Terrorist's Home in Beit Amrin

The IDF Central Command has approved demolishing the home of Duas Hasson, who carried out a fatal attack in Beit Amrin on March 21, 2025, killing Yehuda Sherman and injuring another civilian.

Former Haredi MK's Son Arrested with Loaded Unregistered Gun in Police Stop

The son of a former Haredi Knesset member was arrested by Israeli police after being found with a loaded, unregistered handgun during a vehicle stop. He claimed self-defense, and his detention was extended for further investigation.

Investigation into Eldar Dayan’s Death Uncovers Suspected Neglect by Friends

Israeli police investigating Eldar Dayan’s death suspect his two friends knowingly abandoned him while he was injured after a violent fight. The suspects have begun cooperating, and forensic evidence is being analyzed to clarify the events. The case, which started in July 2026, may now include charges for failing to provide life-saving aid.

Four Young Lives Lost in Tragic Accidents During Israel's Bein Hazmanim Period

Israel Holds Senior Hamas Commander Responsible for 2011 Deadly Attack After Internal Hamas Conflict

Israel holds senior Hamas military commander Basel Salahiyeh, responsible for a 2011 deadly attack, after internal Hamas disputes led to his arrest and capture during recent Gaza fighting.

Tel Aviv Police Discover Explosive Device Hidden in Backyard Refrigerator During Raid

Tel Aviv police found a pipe bomb hidden inside a backyard refrigerator during a raid, arrested a 45-year-old resident, and safely neutralized the device. Investigations continue into the explosive's origin and intended use.

Likud Leads as Haredi Parties Hold Steady and Bennett's Support Continues to Decline

A Kan News poll shows Likud leading with 24 seats and Netanyahu favored as prime minister, while Bennett's party falls to 13 seats. Haredi parties remain stable, and new parties fail to enter the Knesset. Social concerns about emigration also emerge.

Chabad Singer Witnesses Rescue Attempts for Child Left in Hot Car in Lod

Rabbi Avi Menachem from Lod's Chabad community witnessed rescue attempts for a five-year-old boy left in a hot car who later died. The boy was found unconscious two hours after being forgotten in the vehicle. Emergency teams tried to save him, but he died at the hospital. Menachem called for increased awareness and preventive measures to avoid such tragedies.

Iran Engages in Pressure Campaign Against US Amid Regional Crises and Israeli Security Stance

Recent tragedies in Israel coincide with Prime Minister's firm Gaza stance, while Iran pursues diplomatic deals and pressures the US amid regional tensions.

Trump Signals Patience on Iran, Betting on Economic Pressure Over Military Action

President Trump told Israeli journalist Barak Ravid he is not rushing into war or a new deal with Iran, instead betting on economic sanctions to force Tehran to back down. This marks a shift from his recent military threats, as US officials confirm reliance on economic pressure amid Iran's worsening economy.

Climber Falls in Keshet Cave, Israeli Rescue Teams Respond

A climber fell while rappelling in Keshet Cave, prompting a response from Nahariya police and Israeli emergency rescue teams, including a military helicopter.

Haredi Teen Dies After 40-Meter Fall During Caving Activity in Northern Israel

A 16-year-old Haredi boy died after falling 40 meters during a rappelling activity at Keshet Cave in northern Israel. Rescue teams, including Unit 669, responded but could not save him. The cause of the fall is still under investigation.

Eliyahu Yosian Plans Right-Wing Political Entry, Warns of Liberalism as Israel’s Greatest Threat

Eliyahu Yosian, a Middle East expert and Iranian Jewish immigrant, plans to enter Israeli right-wing politics, warning that liberalism poses Israel’s greatest internal threat. He highlights security risks from illegal weapons in Arab communities and advocates for education reform to foster a victorious national spirit. Yosian supports pragmatic ultra-Orthodox conscription solutions and has launched an educational NGO to influence Israeli youth.

16-Year-Old Boy Seriously Injured in Fall Near Arch Cave During Rappelling

A 16-year-old boy fell from a height and was seriously injured while rappelling near the Arch Cave, with medical teams treating him on site.

12-Year-Old Elhanan Karni Dies in Jordan River Boating Accident During Family Vacation

Elhanan Karni, a 12-year-old from Modiin Illit, drowned in the Jordan River during a family outing. He was a dedicated student at Breslov Talmud Torah and was about to start eighth grade. The community mourns another recent loss following a similar tragedy involving a fellow student.

Two Serious Accidents in Northern Israel Involving Children During Summer Break

In northern Israel, a six-year-old girl suffered a head injury from a trampoline fall, and a Haredi teenager fell 40 meters while rappelling, both requiring medical evacuation.

16-Year-Old Haredi Boy Falls 40 Meters in Northern Israel; Rescue Efforts Underway

A 16-year-old Haredi boy fell 40 meters in northern Israel on August 9, 2026, and rescue operations are ongoing.

Lakewood Yeshiva Head Visits Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, Recalls Historic Ties with Rabbi Aharon Kotler

Rabbi Malchiel Kotler, head of Lakewood Yeshiva, visited Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, recalling historic connections with Rabbi Aharon Kotler. Rabbi Sternbuch blessed Rabbi Kotler and praised his leadership, while sharing memories of Rabbi Aharon Kotler’s London visit and efforts to bring Rabbi Sternbuch to Lakewood. The meeting highlighted enduring ties between prominent Torah scholars and their dedication to Jewish learning.

Haredi Boy Falls 40 Meters, Evacuated in Serious Condition by Unit 669

A Haredi boy fell 40 meters and was airlifted in serious condition by Unit 669 on August 9, 2026.

Six-Year-Old Haredi Girl Suffers Head Injury Playing on Trampoline

A six-year-old girl from a Haredi family was injured in the head while playing on a trampoline and received medical care.

Zvahel Hasidic Rebbe Welcomes 13th Son, Celebrates with Upcoming Ceremony in Jerusalem

The Zvahel Hasidic Rebbe recently welcomed his 13th son, with a celebratory brit milah planned in Jerusalem. The event will also commemorate the fourth yahrzeit of the Rebbe's late father. The community awaits the announcement of the honored sandek for the ceremony.

Israeli Comedian Guri Alfi Draws Firm Line on Working During Shabbat for Family Time

Israeli comedian Guri Alfi has chosen to stop working on Shabbat since becoming a father in 2003, dedicating the day to family despite industry skepticism. He views this as a personal, cultural choice rather than a religious one and has occasionally declined major projects to uphold it.

Millions of Germans Confront Nazi Past Following US Archive Release

Following the US release of over nine million Nazi-era documents, millions of Germans are discovering their ancestors' Nazi Party membership, prompting a national reckoning amid rising far-right politics. German media have created accessible databases revealing extensive Nazi membership records, challenging public perceptions and sparking debates over historical memory and responsibility.

Israeli Health Ministry Orders Partial Closure of Petah Tikva Assisted Living Facility

The Israeli Health Ministry partially closed the Nof HaMoshava assisted living home in Petah Tikva due to medication shortages and equipment failures, banning new admissions while current residents stay.

12-Year-Old Boy Found Dead After Disappearing in Jordan River Near Yesod HaMaala

A 12-year-old boy who went missing in the Jordan River near Yesod HaMaala was found dead by Israeli rescue volunteers, and his family was notified.

Netanyahu Vows No Israeli Withdrawal From Gaza Until Hamas Fully Disarmed

Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed and rejected the creation of a Palestinian state. He also warned Iran against nuclear armament, asserting Israel's readiness to respond to any attack.

50-Year-Old Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Nazareth Car Accident

A 50-year-old man was seriously injured after being hit by a car in Nazareth and was taken to the English Hospital with multiple injuries.

Dispute Over Reserved Seats Delays Formation of Joint List in Israeli Arab Parties

Israeli Arab parties Hadash and Balad accepted a seat-sharing plan for the Joint List, but Ahmad Tibi refuses to agree, causing a formation crisis.

Spanish Rabbi Urges Focus on Torah Over Mysticism in Eulogy for Rabbi Amos Guetta

Rabbi Binyamin Hotha eulogized Rabbi Amos Guetta on the 30th day since his murder, urging his followers to focus on Torah study over mysticism. He emphasized that continuing Rabbi Guetta’s yeshiva and teachings is essential to preserving his legacy and spiritual blessing. Rabbi Hotha highlighted Rabbi Guetta’s ascetic devotion to Torah and called on the Netanya community to maintain regular Torah learning.

Criminal Lawyer Charged with Extortion After Threatening Debtor and Sending Intimidators to His Home

A 52-year-old criminal lawyer in Israel is charged with extortion after threatening a debtor and sending men to his home to intimidate him into repaying loans totaling around 70,000 shekels. The lawyer sent threatening messages and was arrested following a police complaint. The prosecution seeks to keep him in custody during the trial.

Chabad Young Emissaries Celebrate Unique Summer Camp Strengthening Their Mission

The Chabad Youth Organization held a special summer camp for over 350 children of Chabad emissaries, focusing on spiritual growth and practical outreach skills. The camp featured international participants, a theme inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and a banquet awarding grants for community projects. A parallel camp for girls followed, aiming to prepare the next generation of emissaries.

Israeli Summer Struggles Highlight Resilience Amid Heat and Social Challenges

As Israel endures heatwaves, crowded buses, and social tensions during the "Between the Years" period, these hardships are portrayed as building resilience. Public transport struggles in ultra-Orthodox areas, cultural disputes over amusement parks, and unique local stories from Haifa and Beit She'an illustrate societal challenges. A notable 2013 incident involving a fake sign language interpreter at Mandela's memorial highlights security oversights. The article encourages embracing discomfort as a path to renewal.

Iran Demands Extensive Concessions from US to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

Iran demands extensive US concessions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining its blockade amid escalating tensions. Despite ongoing talks and a temporary ceasefire, attacks on vessels continue, and the US shows restraint in retaliation. Regional security concerns grow as a new defense pact forms among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Iran Demands Extensive Conditions from US to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

Iran demands the US meet extensive conditions including ending hostilities and lifting sanctions before reopening the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional tensions. Despite ongoing Iranian attacks on vessels, the US has avoided retaliation. Diplomatic talks continue, while regional security alliances strengthen amid the crisis.